Centuries far ago In the African state of Congo Trespassed by the heartless whites Civilizing the blacks, against their rights
They invaded them under a false pretence They shattered humanism’s true essence Several men decayed, as malnourished For being skinned in charcoal colour they were punished
The invaders sowed the seeds to racism It grew larger using euphemism It all spread like a malicious talk Darkness bowed when the white flesh would walk
Subjugated with iron chains the slaves marched With empty stomachs and throats parched Killed unmercifully if they refused a task After all, the devil resided behind the white mask They looted several nations Leaving behind schools and railway stations But who would benefit from development of this kind? In the darkness, hearts had turned blind
Oh, one day back then it all changed Hearts pumped louder through the ribs that were caged Unleashing those iron chains they chased; Till those heartless masters felt disgraced
The dark cloak of slavery burnt to dust While freedom of sunshine sparkled on all the rust Each enslaved human fought for what is right No one could dare to break their might
Blood was shed on both sides But they didn’t cease their stride Back then they made them flee But those racist seeds flew across seas
The darkness never prevails From one land to another it sails Only the goodness in one’s soul, Can take the darkness for a toll!
-Zainab Attari
Inspired by Joseph Conrad’s novella Heart of Darkness. I have posted all my poems on my blog as well :) Link : zainabattari14.wordpress.com